Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
09:58

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice

Published on: April 14, 2010

The total eosinophil count in asthmatic children

M Z Blumberg, J M Buckley

    The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
    |May 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Prednisone significantly impacts total eosinophil count (TEC) in children with asthma. While normal diurnal variations occur without medication, prednisone drastically reduces TEC for several hours after administration.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
    • Respiratory Medicine
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
    • Eosinophils play a key role in allergic inflammation and asthma.
    • Understanding diurnal variations in total eosinophil count (TEC) is crucial for asthma management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the diurnal variation of TEC in asthmatic children.
    • To compare TEC patterns in children on different medication regimens, including prednisone.
    • To assess the impact of oral prednisone on TEC levels.

    Main Methods:

    • Observational study tracking TEC throughout the day.
    • Comparison of TEC in asthmatic children not on medication, on theophylline, and on prednisone.
    • Prednisone administration documented (daily or alternate-day, time of intake).

    Main Results:

    • Normal diurnal TEC variation (morning decrease, evening increase) observed in non-medicated asthmatic children and those on theophylline.
    • On prednisone 'day off', TEC diurnal variation mirrored normal patterns.
    • Prednisone administration (daily or alternate-day) led to near-zero TEC 4-8 hours post-dose, followed by an evening increase.

    Conclusions:

    • Oral prednisone significantly suppresses TEC in asthmatic children.
    • The timing of prednisone administration influences TEC levels throughout the day.
    • Diurnal TEC patterns in asthmatic children are highly sensitive to corticosteroid treatment.

    More Related Videos

    Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma08:05

    Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma

    Published on: May 14, 2012

    Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing13:28

    Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing

    Published on: December 17, 2017

    Related Concept Videos

    Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

    Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

    Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
    Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
    Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs01:25

    Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

    Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
    Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
    Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

    Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

    Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
    Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
    Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
    Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

    Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

    The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
    Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
    This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
    Asthma I: Introduction01:28

    Asthma I: Introduction

    Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
    Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

    Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

    Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...